Gambling expansion proposal still being negotiated

Supporters of gambling expansion in Illinois are scrambling to negotiate the bill in Springfield. A plan to add five casinos in Illinois, including one in Chicago, is still being negotiated as state legislators are scheduled to end their session on Friday.

State Representative Bob Rita, from Chicago’s South suburbs, sponsors the bill. He says he wants to pass the gambling expansion package by Friday, but he doesn’t know how the governor feels about the plan.

“I guess I’d like to know where the governor is on this issue. And if the intent is Chicago should be out of this bill, he should say that.”

Rita says if the Chicago casino is removed from the plan, it wouldn’t have enough support.

Governor Pat Quinn has said he would not support a gambling plan if lawmakers do not approve a pension reform bill first. Quinn has vetoed two previous gambling expansion bills.

Meantime, the head of the Illinois Gaming Board has said he has concerns about oversight of a Chicago casino.